From "The History of North Washington" Published 1904 Transcribed by: Nancy Grubb (nancyg@theofficenet.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WILLIAM R. BAKER William R. Baker, the present popular and capable postmaster of Colville, is also one of the leading business men of North Washington, being engaged in merchandising in Colville. Mr. Baker has one of the finest stores to be found north of Spokane, and the large patronage, which is constantly in attendance on his place of business, shows how throuoghly the people appreciate his efforts to provide them the best, the largest assortment and the latest goods. Mr. Baker has gained his present enviable position by reason of continued industry and manifestation of executive ability and sagacity, all of which characterize his career. William R. Baker was born in Hastings,Minnesota, on August 20, 1876, being the son of Charles A.and Helen S.(Rogers) Baker. The father was born in Lockport, New York, and in that state and Illinois, whither he went with his parents when a child, he received his education. When of proper age he went to work for Walter A. Wood machinery company and so well did he succeed that he was later promoted as general manager and then installed as state agent with headquarters in St.Paul, Minnesota. For many years he did business in that capacity, and also he followed other comercial pursuits until his death on March 22, 1890. The mother of our subject was born in Bangor, Maine, went thence to Rhode Island, where she was educated. In 1857 she came to Minnesota and in that state married. She is now residing at Los Angeles, California. Our subject was educated in St.Paul, and while studing he was newsboy, making as high as forty dollars a month. After completing his high school course, he learned stenography and accepted a position with the Twin City Iron Works, where he remained for three years. Then he went to California, searching for health. Three years were spent on a fruit farm in San Jose, whence he came direct to Colville and with M.S.Gardner started a small mercantile establishment in Colville. They started with small stock but soon it was evident that the business was to be one of the large ones of the county and owing to the push and sagacity of Mr.Baker it has come to be second to none in this section. On September 1, 1899, Mr.Baker purchased the interest of his partner and since then has been in full charge of the establishment. He has a large and well assorted stock of general merchandise, owns his own building and warehouses, besides other property. Politically Mr.Baker is an active Republican, carries a strong influence, and has been chairman of the central committee of the county for a long time. In 1900 he was appointed postmaster and since that time has conducted the affairs of that important office in addition to overseeing his business. Mr.Baker's brothers and sisters are named as follows, Mrs.Helen Rogers, Charles K., Clement L., and Mrs.Fannie Bowen. At Coupeville, Washington, on September 10, 1902, Mr.Baker married Miss Seina L., daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Coupe) Cranney. Mr. Cranney is now a resident of Whidby Island, where he went in the early fifties. He is a prominent citizen of the sound country, having been the incumbent of many important offices, and one of the leading lumber manufacturers of that locality. Coupeville was named after his wife's father. Mrs.Cranney died on May 12,1896. Fraternally Mr.Baker is allied with the A.F.and A.M.,and the I.O.O.F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent.